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No case of Leprosy recorded at Manhyia hospital for 5 years
The Manhyia government hospital in Kumasi, has not recorded any leprosy case for more than five years.
Mrs Evelyn Amponsah, the Disease Control Officer of the hospital who made this known, attributed it to the intense and continuing sensitisation efforts directed towards both the health workers and the public.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at the hospital in Kumasi, she noted that, the hospital management had been unwavering in its commitment to ensure that all patients who visit the facility were thoroughly educated about Leprosy, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
This proactive approach had not only contributed to the absence of new cases but has also fostered a better understanding of the disease among community members, she added
The GNA visited the facility to gain insight into leprosy situation as the world observed leprosy day, which fell on January 25, 2026.
World Leprosy Day is marked on the last Sunday of January every year.
The Day serves as a vital opportunity to celebrate the resilience and strength of individuals who have experienced leprosy, while also raising awareness about the disease itself.
It also calls for a collective effort to eradicate the stigma and discrimination that often accompany leprosy, which can lead to isolation and suffering for those affected.
The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026 is ‘Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.’
Mrs Amponsah further indicated that the theme served as a clarion call to action, aiming to enhance public knowledge about leprosy, underscored the challenges faced by individuals affected by the disease, and encourage collaborative efforts to eliminate leprosy altogether.
She emphasised that the stigma associated with leprosy was frequently cited by those affected as one of their most significant challenges, making it imperative that society worked towards fostering acceptance and understanding.
She also provided important information about the transmission of leprosy, noting that, while it was not entirely clear how the disease spreads, it was believed that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets containing the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, which could then be inhaled by another person.
Casual interactions such as shaking hands, hugging, or sitting next to someone on public transport do not pose a risk of spreading the disease, she noted
In light of this, Mrs Amponsah strongly advised the public to seek immediate medical attention at the hospital if they observed any signs that might indicate leprosy, such as a noticeable loss of eyebrows and/or eyelashes, persistent sores on the soles of the feet that fail to heal, or deformities accompanied by pain, redness, or burning sensations in the nose, hands, and feet.–GNA
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The Ghana Tourism Development Company, GTDC, under the leadership of Prof.Kobby Mensah has launched GTDC Campus Tourism Office at the University of Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote educational and domestic tourism by providing structured campus tour experiences showcasing key heritage sites, including the Archaeology Museum and the School of Performing Arts.
It will also offer students their first travel experience across the continent and inculcate in them love to visit Ghana’s heritage sites.
Addressing the gathering at the launch yesterday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described tourism as a vehicle for education and heritage preservation, stressing that the sector must inspire citizens to value and protect national culture for future generations.
The minister highlighted tourism’s connection to disciplines such as history, the arts, economics and environmental science.
The minister further noted that the private sector is the engine of tourism economy, adding that the engines require fuel, which is talents.” by investing in these young people today, you are securing the quality, the innovation and competitiveness of our own industry for tomorrow.
She added that the establishment of the office represents a deliberate investment in the intellectual capital of the country.
The GTDC boss, Prof.Kobby Mensah, said,”at GTDC, we believe that if our tourism has to be sustainable, we have to promote domestic tourism and a very big part of it is getting students to appreciate tourism and helping them to organise tours.”
He added that the University of Ghana itself is a huge heritage site which must be explored.
Prof.Kobby Mensah noted that the initiative, which is one of many to be established across the country, is a joint partnership between GTDC and University of Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the University is a custodian of heritage which goes beyond the structures and welcomed the establishment of the first Campus Tourism Office.
She was optimistic that the office would be put to good use to achieve the intended purpose.
The launch brought together Stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to nurturing future tourism and hospitality professionals.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana has officially accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Country at Burkina Faso’s 22nd National Culture Week in Bobo-Dioulasso from April 22 to May 2, 2026.
The invitation was extended by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo, accompanied by the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré.
Receiving the delegation, Abla Dzifa Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening historic ties between the two nations.
She noted that the festival will create opportunities for young creatives, expand exhibition platforms and promote commercial exchange within the creative sector.
The event will feature cultural performances, a community village and gastronomy fair, an arts market, literary engagements, and a craft and trade fair.
Ghana’s participation is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between John Dramani Mahama and Ibrahim Traoré, while fostering collaboration within the creative ecosystems of both countries.
